THE LAUNCH OF FREEDIVING COURSES WITH LEADING EXPERT AUGUSTO VEGAS AT NIHIWATU
From May 2017, Nihiwatu will join forces with Augusto Vegas, expert freediver and founder of Survial Apnea, to offer free-diving courses to guests.
April 26thIndonesia
Born and raised in Peru, Augusto’s passion for spearfishing, surfing and freediving naturally progressed into him becoming an Apnea Total Freediving Instructor, an SSI Freediving Instructor and a Wildfitness Head Coach. Augusto mainly attributes his success to surfing, for which he holds two Billabong XXL BIG Wave championships, that provided him with the essential skills for an exciting career in free-diving.
During the lessons, participants will be guided by Augusto through the theory behind freediving and physical preparation. They will be taught the art of yogic breathing, as well as coached on the physiology and psychology behind the technique. This is taught on a one-on-one basis, with beginners passing theory, breath-holding techniques and muscle relaxation exercises poolside before heading to the open water for practical sessions. Once guests are comfortable staying underwater at significant depths (10m+) they are encouraged to start exploring reefs, fish and other creatures. During the session, guests are likely to see an array of South East Asian reef fauna including: surgeon fish, parrot fish, groupers, trivially, turtles and eels as well as open ocean species such as rainbow runners and mahi-mahi. With regular practice, the results of this course are extraordinary – when beginners start, they can usually hold their breath for around 45 seconds. On completion of the course, participants reach up to three minutes and are ready to go on a 20-metre ocean dive. In addition to physiological benefits, guests will be treated to unrivalled marine environments as well as unspoilt tranquility on the remote island of Sumba.
HOW: Nihiwatu offers the Free-Diving Program from US$500, including Free Diving Certification. Price excludes boat hire fee of US$250 for two hours, including guide, F&B and equipment. Minimum age to take part is 16 years. Ampersand Travel offer 7 nights at Nihiwatu, Sumba from £3,310 per person including international and domestic flights, private transfers and all meals, accommodation, non-alcoholic drinks, local excursions, wi-fi and many sea activities available at the hotel. www.ampersandtravel.com / 0207 819 9770